Rockland County Bicycle
Accident Lawyer
A Rockland bicycle accident lawyer can be a tremendous help after your cycling mishap. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or simply enjoy riding your bike for fun, accidents happen. As a result, you may have the right to seek compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and any experienced pain and suffering. No matter the type or severity of your injuries, our Rockland bicycle accident lawyers can help guide you through the legal steps you’ll need to take. Our award-winning attorneys, with over 150 years of combined experience, are committed to fighting for your rights and making sure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.
At The Platta Law Firm, we have recovered hundreds of millions in settlements and jury awards for our injured clients throughout New York. We can do the same for you. If you’ve been injured in a Rockland County bicycle accident, contact our law office today for a no-cost consultation. Let us help you get the money you deserve.
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ToggleThe Platta Law Firm Will Fight to Secure the Largest Cash Award for Your Bicycle Accident
After your bicycle collision in Rockland County, there’s a good chance you may be eligible to receive compensation from those responsible for your injuries. However, getting a fair settlement can be a tough hill to climb, especially when dealing with pushback from insurance companies and negligent motorists.
Let our Rockland County personal injury lawyers make the process much easier and more lucrative for you. When you choose The Platta Law Firm, you put a team of highly-skilled professionals in your corner who have consistently demonstrated their ability to win big awards for their clients. When you join forces with our Rockland bicycle accident lawyers, we’ll provide the support and guidance you need every step of the way. Rest assured; you can rely on us to:
- Clearly explain your options and legal rights during your complimentary case evaluation.
- Immediately investigate your Rockland bicycle accident to determine the cause and responsible parties.
- Collect and closely examine all evidence to support your case, including police reports, property damage, video footage, witness testimony, medical records, and forensic reports.
- Team with medical professionals, accident experts, and other specialists to help strengthen your case.
- Represent you during all negotiations with the insurance company and other parties.
- Fight for your best interests during settlement negotiations with the defendant.
- Litigate your accident lawsuit in front of a Rockland County jury if you don’t receive a fair settlement offer.
- Take your case on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay if we win your case.
Your bike accident can have devastating and lasting effects. Now is the time to get the help you need. Contact our Rockland bicycle accident lawyers today to get started. We’re always available to take your call, answer your questions, and set up a time for a free initial case evaluation.
How Do Most Rockland Bicycle Accidents Occur?
Bicycle accidents can have devastating consequences, and are tragically common occurrences on many Rockland County roads. These accidents occur for a range of reasons. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most frequent culprits:
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, cracks, or uneven surfaces can throw a cyclist off balance.
- Inadequate Infrastructure: Absence of bike lanes or poorly designed intersections in Rockland County can increase risks.
- Dooring: This type of collision happens when a person in a parked car opens their door directly into the path of an oncoming cyclist.
- Sideswiping: Too little clearance between a vehicle and a bicycle can lead to sideswiping accidents and to cyclists being forced off the road.
- Impaired Driving/Riding: Both cyclists and motorists under the influence of alcohol or drugs contribute to accidents.
- Distracted Driving/Riding: Mobile phones and other distractions can divert attention from the road.
- Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, or fog can reduce visibility and road traction in Rockland.
- Equipment Failure: Brake failures, tire blowouts, or malfunctioning lights can lead to accidents.
Whether your Rockland bicycle crash is due to a careless motorist, faulty equipment, or poor road conditions, we are prepared to fight for your right to receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
Types of Injuries Caused by Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents in Rockland County can result in a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe and even fatal. Here are a few of the most common types of injuries that cyclists might sustain in accidents:
- Head Injuries: From minor concussions to traumatic brain injuries, especially when a helmet isn’t worn.
- Fractures: Broken or fractured bones are common, especially in the arms, wrists, legs, and collarbone.
- Facial Injuries: These can include dental fractures, jaw injuries, and facial abrasions or contusions.
- Spinal Injuries: Damage to the spine can lead to paralysis, either temporary or permanent.
- Road Rash: This refers to skin abrasions resulting from sliding on the surface of a Rockland County road.
- Internal Injuries: These can include damage to organs, internal bleeding, and punctured lungs.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears in muscles, tendons, and ligaments can occur.
Whatever type of injury you have suffered as a result of your Rockland bicycle accident, our legal team will negotiate fiercely on your behalf to make sure you are justly compensated.
Who Can be Held Liable for a Rockland
Bicycle Accident?
In Rockland County, as in many other jurisdictions, liability in a bicycle accident is determined by analyzing the actions of all parties involved to determine who was negligent or at fault. Multiple parties might be found liable based on the specifics of each accident. Under New York state law, any individual or entity who plays a role in causing a bicycle accident can be liable, including:
- Negligent Motorists: A driver who fails to yield, runs a stop sign, or doesn’t give a cyclist enough space may be found liable.
- Municipalities: If the accident was due to poor Rockland County road conditions, such as potholes or lack of proper signage, the local government might be held responsible.
- Bicycle Manufacturers: If the accident was due to a defect in the bicycle’s design or manufacturing, the bicycle company could be liable.
- Property Owners: Private property owners may be liable if their negligence, such as obstructing pathways or allowing hazards, leads to an accident.
- Pedestrians: If a pedestrian acts unpredictably or unlawfully and causes a cyclist to crash, they may bear some responsibility.
- Other Cyclists: Other cyclists who ignore traffic laws, signals, or ride recklessly can be at fault.
- Bus and Commercial Vehicle Operators: Larger vehicles that might not see cyclists when turning or stopping.
- Construction Companies: Ongoing construction work that creates hazards or doesn’t have proper signage can lead to confusion and accidents.
Determining liability in bicycle accidents can be complex and often requires thorough investigation and legal expertise. If you consult with our personal injury attorneys, we’ll know the Rockland County laws and regulations that will apply to your case.
What If I’m Partially at Fault for My Bicycle Crash in Rockland County?
The good news is you can still be entitled to compensation. However, New York operates under a system of pure comparative negligence. This means if you are partially responsible for causing your accident, the damages you can be awarded will be reduced by a certain percentage.
For instance, let’s say you were involved in a bicycle crash at the intersection of Route 59 and New Clarkstown Road in Rockland County. You’re severely hurt, and it’s estimated that your damages are worth a quarter million dollars. However, it’s been determined that you were 50% at fault. As a result, your maximum cash award will total $125,000 – half of what your case is worth.
In an effort to avoid liability, other responsible parties will often make claims that you solely were the cause of the accident. Our Rockland bicycle accident lawyers will help you counter these tactics and will fight to ensure you get the money you should.
What Damages are Available to Rockland Bicycle Accident Victims?
Following a bicycle crash in Rockland County, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation depending on the nature and extent of your injuries. Through a lawsuit or insurance claim, you can seek compensatory damages. These damages can include money for costs associated with your bike accident. Potential awards include money to cover:
- Medical Expenses: Current and future medical bills resulting from the accident.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Expenses related to physical therapy, counseling, and other forms of rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost while the victim is unable to work due to their injuries.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: When the victim’s ability to earn in the future is diminished because of the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Monetary compensation for physical pain and emotional distress due to the accident.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of the damaged bicycle and personal property.
- Loss of Consortium: Damages awarded for the impact on the relationship between the injured person and their spouse or partner.
- Wrongful Death: If the accident results in fatality, the victim’s family might be compensated for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional trauma.
Our experienced Rockland personal injury attorneys will pursue all of the damages available to you under New York state law. We’ll fight hard to win your case and secure the maximum financial compensation for your ongoing recovery.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accidents in New York?
You will have three years from the date of your bike accident to file a legal claim for damages. For those coping with the loss of a family member due to a bicycle crash, they will have two years from the date of passing to file a wrongful death claim.
There are very few exceptions to these time requirements. For this reason, it’s crucial to file your claim before the deadline.
Failing to do so could result in losing the opportunity to receive fair compensation.
Helpful Resources for Rockland Bicycle Accident Victims
Rockland County has a variety of outstanding bike routes for you and your family to enjoy. However, you’ll want to be prepared in the event of an accident. You may need to visit an emergency room or urgent care facility. Additionally, a few repairs may be in order to get your bike back safely on the road. Here are a few resources that can help: Bicycle repair shops:
- Valley Cycle Shop
139 Rte. 59, Spring Valley, NY 10977
845 356-3179 - Bicycle Depot
9 E. Central Ave., Peral River, NY 10965
845 735-8686 - CrankWorks Cycles
19 N. Broadway, Nyack, NY 10977
845-358-0101
Emergency Room Medical Assistance:
- Good Samaritan Hospital
255 Lafayette Ave., Suffern, NY 10901
845-368-5000 - Nyack Hospital
86 Lake St., Spring Valley, NY 10901
845-356-1752
Along with the support of these bicycle repair shops and medical facilities, our experienced legal team can help you move forward from the impact of your accident.
Contact Our Rockland Bicycle Accident Lawyers for the Help You Need
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Rockland County, you may be entitled to financial compensation from a negligent motorist, an insurance company, a product manufacturer, or even the government, Our award-winning Rockland bicycle accident lawyers can help you maximize the amount you receive. Call 212-514-5100 to schedule a free consultation with our team today.
Rockland Neighbourhoods We Serve
Congers, Garnerville, Haverstraw, Monsey, Nanuet, New City, Nyack, Orangeburg, Pearl River, Pomona, Spring Valley, Stony Point, Suffern, Tappan, Valley Cottage, and West Nyack.